drugs are prevalent, Troy Douglas continues to resist the lure of illicit drugs.. . even though doctors and scientists are coming up with more and more ways to avoid detection.

"He is an ideal role model for young people to emulate,'' said Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation director Anthony Roberts, who shared Douglas' stance with those attending the recent Drugs in Sports conference at the Bermuda College. "As the standards in sports continue to rise he has avoided the temptations.'' The Bermudian sprinter told Roberts last summer how he is constantly exposed to drugs on the international track circuit -- but made it clear that he did not want to embarrass his country or family by taking them.

Douglas, back home in Bermuda for a short break before heading back to his base in Holland on the weekend, yesterday spoke of temptations facing athletes desperate to clip a second or two off their times.

"If a guy runs 44 (seconds for the 400 metres) on the stuff and then runs 48 (without drugs) then he has a choice whether to get back on it,'' he said.

"It's good financing and it makes a big difference. In the Grand Prix you are looking at from $2,000 a race to $10,000 a race. You have to ask yourself, `Am I going to run for $2,000 and keep clipping away and have to run ten races a season (or) would I only run four for $10,000 and be European champion?' "It's a hard decision but it was easy for me. I have a good doctor and a good coach and I believe in myself as well. I was raised with good strong values.'' Douglas has been living in Holland for the past two-and-a-half years training under a new coach. For the last two years he has also been coaching at the club level, youngsters 18 and up in a recreational programme.

"I tell them to do what you want to do but if you are going to cheat I won't coach you,'' said Douglas, who was randomly tested at the Olympic Games last year. "A lot of them just don't believe in themselves.'' Douglas has never been short on self belief and even at the age of 34 he feels he is still improving. The key, he says, is having good financial support and that is one of the reasons for his short trip back to Bermuda.

"Athletes who are on drugs have strong financial support and athletes who are clean have strong financial support.

"That's all you need target rid of those little stresses. I'm tired of soliciting (for support) and I know the average man on the street is tired, too. It's a business, that's why athletes are taking drugs.

"Personally I feel I'm improving a hell of a lot. I'm 34 and running like a 24-year-old. I'm working with a Dutch coach and what we've done in the last four years is incredible.'' Douglas set Bermuda marks in both the 200 and 400 metres at the Olympic Games in Atlanta last year. His best time in the 200 metres, where he was ranked 25th in the world last year, is 20.41 while he has a best 400 metres time of 45.26.

No drugs for Troy He was ranked 40th in the 400 metres in 1996 and in the 200 metres indoor this year broke the top ten (seventh).

Douglas says it costs him $30,000 a year just to train, excluding travel, and is grateful for a vitamin contract he has with a US company which has a European base in Holland.

"I've been able to maintain the level that I have for the last three years because I have had a vitamin contract and I'm allowed to get whatever vitamins I need when I need them ,'' said Douglas.

He admits he is concerned that certain ingredients in those vitamins might find their way on the list of banned ingredients. "That's a good question and I have discussed it with my coach,'' Douglas replied.

"Most of the stuff I have has been tested thoroughly and my coach and doctor go over it thoroughly.'' Douglas insists the drug problems in track and field are no more serious than in other sports. "There's drugs in all sports,'' he insists, even pointing to a sport like professional cycling.

Douglas took time to watch the primary school zone sports on Tuesday at Garrison Field and was impressed with the young talent he saw in the seven to 11 age group, including nephew Allan Jr., who competed in the long jump, cricket ball throw and relay event.

TROY DOUGLAS -- Sprinter arrived home last week.